Joaquin Phoenix Returns to Letterman, But Not Like Before

Joaquin Phoenix (Gladiator, To Die For) will return to The Late Show with David Letterman on September 22, sitting in the very seat where he confused audiences with a rather unorthodox appearance.

Phoenix currently stars in I’m Still Here, a documentary that chronicles his efforts to become a hip hop star after retiring from a successful acting career. Directed by Academy Award nominated actor Casey Affleck (The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford), I’m Still Here follows Phoenix as he goes on his strange journey, giving a glimpse of what it is like to be in the public eye.

Many had wondered if this had all been fake. A recent interview with Casey Affleck in The New York Times confirmed just that. According to the article, hardly any of it was real, including a shot of Phoenix supposedly swimming with his siblings. It was actually shot in Hawaii with actors.

As for the first Letterman appearance, not even Dave was in on it. “Joaquin, I’m sorry you couldn’t be here tonight,” Letterman stated at the end of the interview. Affleck assures that Phoenix will not be in character for his upcoming appearance.

I’m Still Here is currently playing in theaters, and will be available on VOD starting September 24. For a list of theaters, visit Magnolia Pictures’ website.